Senate backs purchase of pepper spray without ID

The state Senate is backing a measure that would allow Massachusetts residents to purchase pepper spray without a firearms identification card.

The Associated Press

BOSTON — The state Senate is backing a measure that would allow Massachusetts residents to purchase pepper spray without a firearms identification card.

The measure won unanimous approval on Thursday as an amendment to the $36.2 billion state budget for the fiscal year starting July 1.

State Sen. Richard Ross, a Wrentham Republican, said removing the FID requirement would make it easier for women to purchase pepper spray for self-defense. But the measure would make it a criminal offense to sell pepper spray without a license or sell it to anyone under 18.